two students taking samples in a conifer forest meadow

Graduate School

Best of GradCon Awards & Judging Criteria

Judging Round 1

For students who self-select into consideration for a "Best of GradCon" award: Your abstract/artist statement (~300 words) will be reviewed by the judges during Round 1 of judging. Judges will pick the “Top” submissions in the listed categories, based on this rubric. Your submission should compel the judges to want to learn more. 

 

  • GRADCON
    Abstract Rubric
    Total Points Possible = 18
    Round 1 Judging Very Poor/Poor
    (1-2)    		 Fair/Good
    (3-4)    		 Very Good/Excellent
    (5-6)
    Project
    Description    		 Not clearly stated
    and/or poor transitions.

    Clearly stated but their
    discussion seems to drift
    from the project.

    May include some
    technical language.

    Clearly explained in nontechnical
    language that is
    easy to understand by a
    non-specialist.

    Grabs interest in topic.
    Professional
    Development

    Project work not likely
    to advance student
    learning because of
    the nature of the
    project or because of
    the direction taken by
    the student.

    Professional
    development is poorly
    addressed.

    		 Project work enhances
    student development in
    terms of learning
    outcomes, advancing
    skills, or preparation for
    their profession.    		 Project work significantly
    enhances student
    development in terms of
    learning outcomes,
    advancing skills, &
    preparation for their
    profession.
    Significance and
    Impact    		 Importance of work is
    not clearly stated.
    Or, Applicant doesn’t
    address broader
    impacts.

    Importance of work is
    stated, but not well
    developed.

    Applicant addresses some
    of the broader impacts of
    the research project.

    Importance of work is
    clear, concise, and easy
    to understand by nonspecialists.

    Applicant addresses the
    significant broader
    impacts and larger context
    of the project for the
    student, university, and/or
    society.

Judging Round 2

Uploading final version of presentation & video component: You will be notified by February 13, 2026 at your NetID email if you have been requested to move to the 2nd round of judging. Round 2 requires uploading either the final version of the poster or oral presentation slides ALONG with uploading the MP4 video accompaniment to ScholarWorks by Monday, February 23 at NOON.

The video accompaniment encompasses a 10-minute presentation of the research. Oral presentations must be no longer than 15 minutes. If the video has not been uploaded by the deadline, the submission will be disqualified.

Tailoring the presentation to a general audience is one of the most important factors in obtaining a “Best of GradCon” Award, so take the time to get it right. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself and to explain the importance of your project. Presentations will be judged based on the presentation rubric.

 

  • GRADCON Presentation Rubric
    Total Points Possible = 18
    Round 2 Judging Very Poor/Poor
    (1-2)    		 Fair/Good
    (3-4)    		 Very Good/Excellent
    (5-6)
    General Audience Technical language is prevalent throughout the presentation or does not follow a logical progression.

    Presentation is generally understandable but may include some technical language that was not defined.

    May be missing an important piece, such as context or findings for a general audience.

    The presentation is clear, non-technical and incorporates context and findings in a manner understandable to a general audience.
    Clarity and Engagement

    Discussion seems to drift from the project.

    Presenter uses visual aids that are very poor, disorganized, or detract from the project’s logic.

    		 Presentation is well organized, but visual aids are distracting or not well designed.

    The presentation is smooth, organized, and engaging.

    Presenter uses visual aids that enhance the presentation.
    Significance and
    Impact    		 Importance of work is not clearly stated. Or, applicant doesn’t address broader impacts.

    Importance of work is stated, but not well developed.

    Applicant addresses some of the broader impacts of the research project.

    Importance of work is clear, concise, and easy to understand by non-specialists.

    Applicant addresses the significant broader impacts and larger context of the project for the student, university, and/or society.

Awards categories

Awards Categories

Best of GradCon Awards - UM Graduate School will be awarding $300 for the best entries in the following categories.

There will be 5 awards in total:

  • Best Oral Presentation in STEM
  • Best Oral Presentation in Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Best Poster Presentation in STEM
  • Best Poster Presentation in Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Best Visual and Performing Arts Presentation (includes creative writing)

At this time, Professional Experiences submissions are not eligible for Best of GradCon Awards.

Awardees will be announced (ONLY) during the GradCon Award Ceremony on March 6 in the UC Ballroom (3rd floor). More information will be sent to your NetID email in February. View Past Awardees.